Disney's Broadway-Bound FROZEN Gets New Director & Creative Team

Disney's Broadway-bound stage musical FROZEN has a new creative team in place, according to the New York Post. Tony winning director Michael Grandage will take the helm of the production, replacing Alex Timbers, who departed the show in August. At the time, Thomas Schumacher, the president and producer of Disney Theatrical Production said in a statement: "Making the tough calls when creating a new Broadway musical is never easy, but this was especially painful. Alex Timbers is one of the most exciting and innovative theater directors I know, and we've proudly worked with him from my support of the early development of 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson' through our work together on 'Peter and the Starcatcher.' Though we have chosen to go in another direction with this role, we are committed to seeing 'Frozen's' tremendous theatrical potential brought to life onstage."

It had been previously reported that director Stephen Daldry was in discussions to take on directing duties for FROZEN. According to the Post however, the 'Billy Elliot' helmer opted to move on to other projects instead.

Also boarding the project, according to the Post is set and costume designer Christopher Oram, who takes over for Bob Crowley, a longtime Disney designer whose set work was on display in Disney's AIDA, TARZAN, MARY POPPINS, and ALADDIN. According to a source, "Bob left amicably and without any fanfare."

While Disney has not confirmed the new creative team members, sources tell the Post that a deal is currently in the works.

In 2010, Grandage and Oram picked up Tony Awards for John Logan's acclaimed drama RED. The duo also teamed on Broadway's FROST/NIXON, starring Frank Langella and Michael Sheen, the 2005 West End revival of GUYS AND DOLLS, and the 2012 Broadway revival of EVITA. Grandage also received a Tony nomination for directing 2014's THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN.

FROZEN is scheduled to play an out-of-town tryout in August in Denver before premiering at Broadway's St. James Theatre in the spring of 2018. The theater is undergoing major renovations in order to accommodate the musical's large-scale production sets.

With music by Krisen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and a book by Jennifer Lee, the comedy adventure centers on fearless optimist Anna who sets off on an epic journey-teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven-to find her sister Elsa , whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

Disney's animated movie FROZEN won two Academy Awards (Best Animated Film and Best Original Song with "Let It Go") and a Golden Globe (Best Animated Feature Film). It is the fifth highest grossing film of all time and the highest grossing animated film. Released domestically on Nov. 27, 2013, FROZEN posted the No. 1 industry all-time Thanksgiving debut and Walt Disney Animation Studios' biggest opening ever. The FROZEN soundtrack is the top-selling album of 2014 to date and spent 33 weeks in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 weeks at No. 1. It is certified triple Platinum.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos